Huntly Kindergarten

At Huntly Kindergarten we value:

respect
relationships
partnerships with families
independence
diversity
children as competent and capable learners
learning through play
natural bush environment
Bush Kinder
indoor/outdoor play
sustainability
life skills
community involvement
inclusion

Huntly Kindergarten Philosophy

Huntly Kindergarten is a vibrant and important part of the Huntly community, a place where all children and their families can find a place to belong. Children and families come to kindergarten with a wealth of knowledge and experiences, and are treated with respect and dignity. Respectful relationships between children, their families and educators are at the core of who we are at Huntly Kindergarten and what we practice. We welcome and embrace families from all backgrounds and abilities.

Families are a child’s first and most important influence. We work in partnership with families to devise goals and a program that best suits the interests and developmental needs of each child. Family members and care givers are always welcome to be involved in our programs; we value their knowledge and skills. The educators of Huntly Kindergarten use their knowledge to enhance and develop each child’s learning through quality interactions with each child.

Children are capable and competent, able to construct knowledge with each other and educators. Educators have high expectations of children’s abilities and we actively promote independent self-care. Children learn best through play and social interaction; through a learning environment which supports investigation and inquiry, originating from the interests of the child. We understand the benefits of learning through the arts, with all forms of creative expression being a key part of our program. We strive to create an environment where children are free to be themselves, to play without being rushed, to interact with both adults and children, where they can be challenged physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.

We highly value play in the natural bush environment. Bush kinder forms a strong part of our program, providing experiences that meet every learning outcome and promoting a life-long love of nature in our children and their families. Outdoor play occurs in all weather conditions and children are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. Parents can expect children to come home messy from their day at Kinder, as messy sensory play is important for children’s development.

We seek to nurture habits of sustainability through intentional teaching and modelling in order to preserve our natural resources for future generations.

Huntly Kindergarten works collaboratively with a variety of agencies and community groups in order to support individual children’s needs. We work with local schools to assist with each child’s transition to primary school. We advocate for children to be ready not just for school, but to be ready for life.

Our Bush Kinder site is located between Brunel St and the Midland Highway on land owned by Huntly Primary School.  It is a lovely piece of bushland in the middle of Huntly within walking distance of Kinder.

We are very excited to be able to offer the Bush Kinder program to all children in their Kindergarten year at Huntly.  Groups attend Bush Kinder during terms 2, 3 and 4 for 3-5 hrs on one of their kinder days.

Families are loaned waterproof pants and jackets purchased by our committee for use throughout the program, allowing children to experience nature play comfortably and delight in the discoveries each season brings.

Our Bush Kinder program strongly supports and enhances the philosophy of Huntly Kindergarten and offers a unique educational program of unstructured, uninterrupted nature play. 

We believe our Bush Kinder program provides opportunities for children to connect, wonder, discover and belong on Dja Dja Wurrung country and we are proud that we promote the beginning of a life-long appreciation of nature and culture.

Families are invited and encouraged to participate in our bush kinder program and provide feedback and input into the program at any time.